Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating

I loved this book so much. I believe it’s suitable for 10+ but kids that age might not understand it well so I’d say 12+ for understanding. It explored queer romance amazingly and the social stigma around a white central society. It shows examples of how toxic friendship is degrading and wrong and many examples of gaslighting. It teaches children not to always follow your parents dreams for you and follow your heart, something Nikhita (Ishu’s older sister) regrets she hadn’t done. Hani is a sensitive, sweet and compassionate girl who wants to help everyone around her. This unfortunately causes her to stay in a toxic friendship where they don’t respect Hani’s identity not just as bisexual but as a Muslim as well. She lies to her father and mother over seperate things and eventually learns honesty is indeed the best policy. When she came out to her parents, they were very accepting so when that doesn’t goes well with her friends it upsets her. Ishu is a very hardworking, driven and determined girl who wants to become head girl. She comes across as calloused and unwelcoming because she’s antisocial. Studying is the only hobby of hers. After the news that her sister Nikhita ends up dropping a year anniversary to marry a well mannered man named Rakesh, her family is very strained. She learns to socialise properly and to stick up to injustice. There is an instance where the girls are faced with a drinking game and when Hani refuses to drink due to her being Muslim, she’s disrespected. Hani stands up for herself and Ishu is there comforting her all the way home. I’m an atheist, white boy and I have learned a great deal about a different religion of mine and how important it is to respect other’s religions. As a bisexual (irrelivant but also trans boy), seeing another bisexual in a book also shows how far diversity has arisen. Ishu’s sarcasm made me laugh and the funny and awkward moments were amazing. I 100000000% recommend this to everyone.

I loved how many issues this book dealt with, from homophobia to racism. Hani and Ishu make such a cute and awkward couple. At first I thought this would be cringy, but the book surprised me!

This was the first ever book I was able to finish after a loooong time, and must I say it is sooo worth a read. I quite literally couldn't put this book down one day haha. "Hani and Ishu's Guide to Faking Dating" is about two girls named Hani and Ishu who have to fake date in order to get something from the other. I can't say too much about it without spoiling it haha..but please give this a read if you're considering it! You will not regret it.